From: Carol Daus
To: [email protected]
Subject: In Opposition to Agenda #25-City Council Meeting December 19, 2023 Date: Thursday, December 14, 2023 11:01:27 PM
Dear City Council Members,
I am opposed to Agenda #25 proposed by Mayor Van Der Mark, Mayor Pro TemBurns and Council Member McKeon for two main reasons:
1) This proposal is a waste of time, money and resources since the city’s schools, library, and arts programs already honor and provide awareness about the rich historic heritage of the U.S., State of California, and City of Huntington Beach. We should leave it to educators and professionals to handle these types of programs, not citizen volunteers who have a political agenda. Plus why are you adding this committee when you recently deleted boards and commissions, citing costs?
2) This proposal does not recognize the diverse range of residents in our city nor the groups that these individuals belong to even though they are also part of the rich historic heritage of the U.S., State of California, and City of Huntington Beach. There’s no mention of Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, LGBTQ Pride Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, etc. Even women are barely given a mention.
It's laughable (if it weren’t so mean-spirited) that just 7-9 residents appointed bytwo council liaisons would develop the curriculum. Residents, non-residents, and tourists can see that this reeks of identity politics and political agendas, which is what you falsely claim you are trying to prevent!
Finally, shame on you for designating “We Love Our Libraries” for August aftereverything you’ve done to weaken and wreak havoc within our library system. Youcan’t even get the month right. The HBPL’s summer reading program starts in Juneand ENDS in early August. This would be the worst month for that monthlyprogram. Did you even get any input from our librarians? Sincerely,
Carol Daus
Huntington Beach resident, 28 years
From: Erin Spivey
To: [email protected]
Cc: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF)
Subject: "Heritage" themes
Date: Friday, December 15, 2023 12:23:00 PM
To the Huntington Beach City Council,
I am yet again writing to express my dismay at your clear attempts to further marginalize minority groups within Huntington Beach and to further your White Christian nationalist agenda.
This latest resolution regarding months of "heritage" themes is a list of talking points straight out of the alt-right handbook, which seeks to replace the diverse history of the United States with a version that highlights only the input of White, Christian men.
Specifically noteworthy is the line included: "This series would be intended to be free of any identity politics and political agendas." That is clearly not the truth when all of the people identified in the list of Heritage months are only White, Christian men.
These monthly themes erase all of the contributions made by people of color in HB, California, and the United States. These themes also completely erase the important, vibrant Hispanic and Indigenous communities that lived here in Huntington Beach before the US arrived, and continue to live here!
Also particularly noteworthy is the unsubtle attempt to usurp the Library's independence in setting up their own programming schedule recognizing such months as Pride Month, Asian and Pacific Islander American Month, Women's Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, among others.
Will the four far right members of the City Council now prohibit mentioning these groups during their respective months? What consequences will the library face if they don't adhere to the new White Christian nationalist agenda?
These questions are not hyperbolic as their resolutions claims:
"All monthly themes hosted by the City must be included in this approved twelve-month program and will therefore repeal and supersede all such monthly themes/celebrations previously approved by Council."
The far right council members are so out of step with the public on nearly every issue and they continue to push these culture war ideas that are antithetical to the desires of the Huntington Beach populace. These measures continue to drive away businesses and tourists from our community, as well as drive a wider gap between our residents.
As always, the far right four should be ashamed of themselves.
Erin Spivey
Lifelong resident
From: Erin Spivey
To: McKeon, Casey
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Re: "Heritage" themes
Date: Friday, December 15, 2023 1:35:26 PM
Dear Casey,
Thank you for your delightfully disingenuous response. I'm not sure what email you were reading as I never said "a certain version of History". What I did say was that the focus on listed in your "heritage" months only listed "version that highlights only the input of White, Christian men." Is this false? Did I miss the part where you included the input of people of color or people of a variety of faiths? I'm wondering now if your vote to disavow anti- semitism and support the Jewish people was actually heartfelt.
I am always a supporter of learning and education. In fact I hosted several presentations at the Main Street Library on the history of Huntington Beach. I'm surprised you weren't in attendance given your love and appreciation for our city's "heritage." While I was a librarian there I was happy to promote several local writers as well.
To suggest I am opposed to learning, reading, and writing is laughable as one needs merely to look at the history of programming I did for the Hunting Beach Public Library. I'm sorry that we were never able to connect at any of these programs. Do you often attend library programs so that you are aware of what is being hosted in your city? I also see no mention of holidays in your themes. So does this mean there will be no Christmas programming, no breakfast with Santa, or no lovely tree decorations for 2024? no Halloween programs with trick or treating or pumpkins? How disappointingly out of step with the public!
Thank you again for this response, it was illuminating. I wish you the day you deserve.
Sincerely,
Erin Spivey
On Fri, Dec 15, 2023 at 12:52 PM McKeon, Casey <[email protected] > wrote:
Thank you for your email Erin.
As an advocate for our Libraries, I’m quite surprised you have an issue with a program that focuses on teaching and learning our City, State and Country’s unique history that we all share.
I’m not sure what you mean by a certain version of History. Historical facts and events are well documented and clear. Are you against the encouragement of learning, reading and writing? Is that what you mean by being out of step with the public? I’m sure you completely read the Agenda item to see that the themes in the months listed are for the calendar year 2024, whereby the committee will then meet, in a collaborative effort with the assistance of the Historic Resources Board, to discuss themes for 2025, which could very well include some of your suggestions below.
In terms of City resources and time, the City already spotlights many themes and events but in a fragmented way. This program will organize and streamline the calendar of events to create efficiency and save resources.
Thank you again for your email and I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Casey McKeon
City Council Member
City of Huntington Beach
714-536-5553
On Dec 15, 2023, at 12:23 PM, Erin Spivey <[email protected] >
wrote:
To the Huntington Beach City Council,
I am yet again writing to express my dismay at your clear attempts to further marginalize minority groups within Huntington Beach and to further your White Christian nationalist agenda.
This latest resolution regarding months of "heritage" themes is a list of talking points straight out of the alt-right handbook, which seeks to replace the diverse history of the United States with a version that highlights only the input of White, Christian men.
Specifically noteworthy is the line included: "This series would be intended to be free of any identity politics and political agendas." That is clearly not the truth when all of the people identified in the list of Heritage months are only White, Christian men.
These monthly themes erase all of the contributions made by people of color in HB, California, and the United States. These themes also completely erase the important, vibrant Hispanic and Indigenous communities that lived here in Huntington Beach before the US arrived, and continue to live here! Also particularly noteworthy is the unsubtle attempt to usurp the Library's independence in setting up their own programming schedule recognizing such months as Pride Month, Asian and Pacific Islander American Month, Women's Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, among others.
Will the four far right members of the City Council now prohibit mentioning these groups during their respective months? What consequences will the library face if they don't adhere to the new White Christian nationalist agenda? These questions are not hyperbolic as their resolutions claims:
"All monthly themes hosted by the City must be included in this approved twelve-month program and will therefore repeal and supersede all such monthly themes/celebrations previously approved by Council."
The far right council members are so out of step with the public on nearly every issue and they continue to push these culture war ideas that are antithetical to the desires of the Huntington Beach populace. These measures continue to drive away businesses and tourists from our community, as well as drive a wider gap between our residents.
As always, the far right four should be ashamed of themselves.
Erin Spivey
Lifelong resident
From: Erin Spivey
To: McKeon, Casey
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Re: "Heritage" themes
Date: Friday, December 15, 2023 3:01:47 PM
Dear Casey,
I am relieved to hear that you don't consider month-long celebrations, such as Advent, to be in contradiction to these monthly "heritage" themes. I am confident the same will apply to all holidays and notable occasions.
Thank you,
Erin
On Fri, Dec 15, 2023 at 2:35 PM McKeon, Casey <[email protected] > wrote:
Hi Erin, these are monthly themes and will not interfere with individual programs as you outline below.
Have a great weekend.
Casey McKeon
City Council Member
City of Huntington Beach
714-536-5553
On Dec 15, 2023, at 1:35 PM, Erin Spivey <[email protected] >
wrote:
Dear Casey,
Thank you for your delightfully disingenuous response. I'm not sure what email you were reading as I never said "a certain version of History". What I did say was that the focus on listed in your "heritage" months only listed "version that highlights only the input of White, Christian men." Is this false? Did I miss the part where you included the input of people of color or people of a variety of faiths? I'm wondering now if your vote to disavow anti-semitism and support the Jewish people was actually heartfelt.
I am always a supporter of learning and education. In fact I hosted several presentations at the Main Street Library on the history of Huntington Beach.
I'm surprised you weren't in attendance given your love and appreciation for our city's "heritage." While I was a librarian there I was happy to promote several local writers as well.
To suggest I am opposed to learning, reading, and writing is laughable as one needs merely to look at the history of programming I did for the Hunting Beach Public Library. I'm sorry that we were never able to connect at any of these programs. Do you often attend library programs so that you are aware of what is being hosted in your city?
I also see no mention of holidays in your themes. So does this mean there will be no Christmas programming, no breakfast with Santa, or no lovely tree decorations for 2024? no Halloween programs with trick or treating or pumpkins? How disappointingly out of step with the public! Thank you again for this response, it was illuminating. I wish you the day you deserve.
Sincerely,
Erin Spivey
On Fri, Dec 15, 2023 at 12:52 PM McKeon, Casey <Casey.McKeon@surfcity- hb.org> wrote:
Thank you for your email Erin.
As an advocate for our Libraries, I’m quite surprised you have an issue with a program that focuses on teaching and learning our City, State and Country’s unique history that we all share.
I’m not sure what you mean by a certain version of History. Historical facts and events are well documented and clear. Are you against the encouragement of learning, reading and writing? Is that what you mean by being out of step with the public?
I’m sure you completely read the Agenda item to see that the themes in the months listed are for the calendar year 2024, whereby the committee will then meet, in a collaborative effort with the assistance of the Historic Resources Board, to discuss themes for 2025,
which could very well include some of
your suggestions below.
In terms of City resources and time, the City already spotlights many themes and events but in a fragmented way. This program will organize and streamline the calendar of events to create efficiency and save resources.
Thank you again for your email and I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Casey McKeon
City Council Member
City of Huntington Beach
714-536-5553
On Dec 15, 2023, at 12:23 PM, Erin Spivey
<[email protected]> wrote:
To the Huntington Beach City Council,
I am yet again writing to express my dismay at your clear attempts to further marginalize minority groups within
Huntington Beach and to further your White Christian nationalist agenda.
This latest resolution regarding months of "heritage" themes is a list of talking points straight out of the alt-right handbook, which seeks to replace the diverse history of the United States with a version that highlights only the input of White, Christian men.
Specifically noteworthy is the line included: "This series would be intended to be free of any identity politics and political agendas."
That is clearly not the truth when all of the people identified in the list of Heritage months are only White, Christian men.
These monthly themes erase all of the contributions made by people of color in HB, California, and the United States. These themes also completely erase the important, vibrant Hispanic and Indigenous communities that lived here in Huntington Beach before the US arrived, and continue to live here!
Also particularly noteworthy is the unsubtle attempt to usurp the Library's independence in setting up their own programming schedule recognizing such months as Pride Month, Asian and Pacific Islander American Month, Women's Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, among others.
Will the four far right members of the City Council now prohibit mentioning these groups during their respective months? What consequences will the library face if they don't adhere to the new White Christian nationalist agenda?
These questions are not hyperbolic as their resolutions claims:
"All monthly themes hosted by the City must be included in this approved twelve-month program and will therefore repeal and supersede all such monthly themes/celebrations previously approved by Council."
The far right council members are so out of step with the public on nearly every issue and they continue to push these culture war ideas that are antithetical to the desires of the Huntington Beach populace. These measures continue to drive away businesses and tourists from our community, as well as drive a wider gap between our residents.
As always, the far right four should be ashamed of themselves.
Erin Spivey
Lifelong resident
Mr. AmoryHanson8102EllisAvenueApartment121HuntingtonBeachCA92646 December 19, 2023
TheMayoressof HuntingtonBeach2000MainStreetHuntingtonBeachCA92648 MyDear MadamMayoress,
I amwritingtoexpressmysupport for theMayoressandCouncilmanBurnsandMcKeon’sproposal for atwelvemonth program tohonor HuntingtonBeachandtheUnitedStates’ history. I believethisprogramwill provideuniqueopportunitiesfor all tolearnabout historyat thelibraries.
For thenameof theprogram, I wouldliketoexpressmypreferencefor “FromPioneerstoParadise: HonoringHuntingtonBeach'sLegacy.”However, all namesproposedbytheMayoressandCouncilmanBurnsandMcKeonareexcellent.
SincerelyYours,
Mr. AmoryHanson
CC: TheHonorablePatrickBurnsCC:TheHonorableRhondaBoltonCC: TheHonorableDaniel KalmickCC: TheHonorableCaseyMcKeonCC: TheHonorableNatalieMoserCC: TheHonorableAnthonyStrickland